Phone Grading Definitions for New & Refurbished Phones

BY: Editors |Oct 9, 2018

A cell phone does not need to be brand-new to be fully functional. In fact, you can usually get a refurbished model for a lower price without sacrificing functionality. But it’s important to understand the phone condition so that you know what to expect when you open the package.

To help you find the phone that matches your needs and budget, we use the following phone grading definitions for our inventory:

Warranty: full manufacturer’s one-year warranty; review Groupon’s fine print for any and all applicable warranty information

Refurbished (A-Grade)

Refurbished (A-grade) mobile phones work like a new phone. They have been tested and certified by a third-party refurbisher according to four criteria: 1) functionality 2) cleaning 3) inspection 4) repackaging.

Phone Condition: like new (little to no wear)

What’s Included: generic charging cable and power adapter

Packaging: generic packaging

Warranty: six months to one year; review Groupon’s fine print for any and all applicable warranty information

Refurbished (B-Grade)

Refurbished (B-grade) mobile phones also work like a new phone and arrive clean and free of water damage. Though free of cracks or dents, the phone will show light signs of wear.

Phone Condition: possible light blemishes on the screen; light scratches or scuffs on back of phone; possible scuff on LCD bezel (if no other signs of wear present)

What’s Included: generic charging cable and power adapter

Packaging: generic packaging

Warranty: varies between 30–90 days; review Groupon’s fine print for any and all applicable warranty information

Scratch & Dent

Scratch & Dent cell phones are 100% functional and will arrive with a screen free of cracks. Signs of use will be evident, however.

Phone Condition: minor dings, dents, and possible smudging on front and back